AboutDavid Spector Expertise I can answer questions about Quakerism and the Religious Society of Friends from a Universalist (non-Evangelical, unprogrammed) point of view, particularly questions about Quaker religious practice.
Experience I have been a practicing Friend since approximately 1998 and have been active in attending and helping to organize Friends' activities, such as retreats run by our Meeting.
Organizations I belong to I am a member of Friends Meeting at Cambridge (Massachusetts, USA).
Expert: David Spector Date: 11/13/2007 Subject: Quakers and abortion
Question QUESTION: In the Quaker religion when does the foetus become a person and what is the definition of a person. Also do Quakers believe that abortion is right or wrong.
ANSWER: Rahel, Thank you for your question.
Quakerism does not define a fetus or a person, nor is it much concerned with this question. It is much more concerned with right action in accordance with God's will, particularly in the area of its corporate testimonies: peace, honesty, simplicity, and justice.
Many Quakers are opposed to abortion as a method of birth control and at the same time favor abortion in certain cases where this appears to be the most life-supporting action for the woman. However, that being said, it is only an approximate generalization, and each individual Quaker will have their own point of view.
I hope this brief answer has helped. Please feel free to submit follow up questions, if needed.
David Spector
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: so would you say over all that the religion Quaker is for or against abortion or just doesn't define an answer on abortion.
Answer Quakerism is neither for nor against abortion. At least, I have never heard of the Religious Society of Friends as a whole having a specific position.
Many individual Quakers oppose abortion under all circumstances. Many others believe that it should be up to the woman involved.
You probably don't understand (and perhaps can't comprehend) that Quakerism is not an authoritarian religion like the Roman Catholic Church. It is a very accepting religion. Quakerism includes many very Christ-centric meetings as well as many unprogrammed and Universal-centric meetings. The unprogrammed meetings simply sit in silence, in expectation of contact with the Divine Spirit, with no pastor or other religious leader.
There are as many points of view in Quakerism as there are Quakers. It is a religion that strongly advocates for and protects individual expression while simultaneously promoting corporate worship and discernment.
